A new Canadian Cancer Statistics report is raising alarm that Canada may not meet its goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040, despite years of progress and the availability of effective prevention tools. Data from the Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee shows rates of cervical cancer have hit a “concerning plateau,” suggesting the country is moving backward instead of advancing toward the World Health Organization’s target of fewer than four cases per 100,000 females.
Cervical cancer, caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), had been on a steady decline between 1984 and 2005. Since then, however, progress has stalled. Jennifer Gillis, director of surveillance for the Canadian Cancer Society, says falling HPV vaccination rates, fewer people being screened, and gaps in followup care are major contributors to the stagnation.
The report estimates that 430 Canadians are expected to die from cervical cancer in 2025. While that number is small compared to the 87,400 cancer-related deaths projected this year, experts stress that every one of these deaths is preventable with available tools.
Gillis says switching from the traditional Pap test to the more accurate HPV test could significantly improve detection, noting that provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have already adopted the newer method. She also argues that HPV vaccines should be made free for those who missed school-based immunization programs, as the current cost of $215 per dose is limiting access.
With the nation’s progress slowing, the report urges renewed commitment to vaccination, modern screening methods and stronger followup care to get Canada back on track toward eliminating cervical cancer.